JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Coal miner Keaton Energy’s Vanggatfontein mine achieved record thermal coal production in the third quarter ended December 31, with 544 237 t delivered to power utility Eskom.
This compared with the 540 127 t of thermal coal delivered to the utility in the third quarter of the prior year.
However, 5-seam metallurgical coal sales fell 40% year-on-year to 18 456 t.
The company also noted that no B-grade coal was produced owing to poor market conditions and discard and slurry sales were negligible.
The company’s troubled KwaZulu-Natal operations, which were held for sale, continued to perform poorly. Vaalkrantz saw a 71% year-on-year decrease in local anthracite sales to 10 457 t, while export sales fell 19% year-on-year to 18 600 t.
“Yet again, our long-life Vanggatfontein colliery has performed consistently and continues to generate excellent production and cash flow numbers.
“Our troubled Natal operations are in the process of being sold but, despite this, achieved an improved safety performance over the last quarter. The coal sector is highly stressed but the soon to be streamlined Keaton is positioned to ride out the storm,” commented CEO Mandi Glad.
Edited by: Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online
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